Expect Similar Outcomes as the First Leg
Tom Dolan: “I wouldn’t be surprised if things turn out like they did on the first leg”
After arriving in Gijón, Tom Dolan and his fellow competitors in the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec are preparing to set sail once again. This Sunday, 1st September, at 2 p.m., they will embark on the second leg of the event.
The course for this leg has been slightly adjusted by Race Direction due to a light weather forecast along the northern coast of Spain. The mark off Cape Finisterre has been removed, and the skippers, including Dolan, will now round the Sisargas archipelago near La Coruña.
“The course has been reduced from 615 to 515 miles, but it’s still interesting. It’s nice to start out going west and discover new islands,” commented Dolan, who anticipates a challenging start to the race.
Getting away from the Cantabrian coast won’t be easy, he noted, with the first few miles expected to be particularly long as competitors work to get their boats moving. The start will be crucial, especially with a small front expected during the night, which will allow those at the front to catch the wind first and gain an early advantage.
Once in the Bay of Biscay, Dolan expects a relatively straightforward run between the north-western tip of Iberia and Royan. However, he emphasized that success will heavily rely on the weather and the chosen trajectory, especially as the final miles of the race could be pivotal.
“At the finish, the wind will probably be very light, influenced by a small stormy low-pressure system. If that happens, it could turn complicated, particularly at the mouth of the Gironde where strong currents are common during high tidal periods. I wouldn’t be surprised if it ended the same way as the first race, with competitors arriving almost simultaneously,” he shared, clearly well-rested and determined to perform well.
Over the last two days, Dolan has focused on recovery, getting good rest and visiting the physiotherapist twice. He is eager to get going again and is expected to reach the finish line between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, based on the latest routing updates.
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Oliver Hayes, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Southampton, has a profound love for the sea that has shaped his career. Holding a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Portsmouth, Oliver is celebrated for his compelling and insightful storytelling. His work vividly captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime heritage of the United Kingdom, making him a respected figure in the sailing community. When not writing, Oliver enjoys exploring the British Isles’ diverse coastlines and participating in local regattas, always on the lookout for his next nautical adventure.